Meals on Wheels in need of food items

PROVIDING 40000 meals each month to the poor, vulnerable, disabled and elderly in the East London community, Meals on Wheels has a major impact on our city.

This festive season, they have made an appeal for donations of non-perishable food items – or money – that could be used for Christmas parcels for regular meal recipients.

Meals on Wheels is a Seventh Day Adventist Church-based organisation, which relies on regular donations of money and food to maintain its outreach.

DEDICATED TEAM: Members of Meals on Wheels Community Services enjoyed a Christmas lunch and a day of entertainment last Wednesday. They are, from back left, Lettie Hayward, Marie Krause and Heather Frame. In the front are Jerry Bowles and Shirley Robinson Picture: SARAH KINGON

Meals are prepared at the Community Services Centre in Smartt Road, Nahoon, three days a week, and they are delivered directly to the doors of their recipients.

Eighty-percent of those receiving meals cannot afford to pay for meals because they rely on Sassa (South Africa Social Security Agency) grants.

The organisation also runs 24 soup kitchens and opens their centre to paid members for gym-trim classes, beauty treatments, games, outings, monthly birthday parties and social events.

East London centre manager, Jeni Campbell, says they have grown to reach double the number of recipients since 2003. “Selection to receive meals depends on income and life circumstances. We are so grateful for the contributions from the community over the years, particularly to Spargs SUPERSPAR and Woolworths, who generously donate in high volumes regularly.

“Francois Erasmus is also a very regular private donor that we are so thankful to. We are also grateful for the support of societies, churches, individuals and businesses who keep our work going,” she said.

“It is such a rewarding job. Their [recipients] eyes light up when they receive their meal and you realise that it’s all worthwhile,” she said.

They are also in need of people who would give of their time and work as drivers and shoppers, kitchen assistants, volunteers at the charity shop and library. You can bring donations to the centre in Nahoon by December 9 or contact Campbell on 084-844-8096 or e-mail jeni@mealsonwheelsec.org.za

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